The Victorian Farmers Federation and BlazeAid have joined forces to help the recovery of farms and people affected by the St Patricks Day fires.
The joint initiative instigated by VFF President David Jochinke and BlazeAid founder and president Kevin Butler will bring together matching funds to a total of $160,000 to aid the recovery process.
The funds will be distributed as advances for fencing - posts and wire - and be available for farmers in the Cobden and Terang area.
Mr Butler said it was great to see the VFF and BlazeAid logos together on this project.
Mr Jochinke said the joint venture would ensure that the funds available were maximised for the benefit of the farmers in the area.
He said it was “pedal to the metal from this moment” getting the funds out to farmers.
The venture would leverage each organisations funds for a common goal - assisting farmers, he said.
“We are shoulder to shoulder - we are very aligned,” he said.
Mr Jochinke emphasised the role of volunteers in both organisations.
“Without volunteers neither organisation would be able to do the work we do,” he said.
The agreement would also see the organisations working together to attract further donations, specifically for the BlazeAid work in the Post and Wire Drive.
Mr Butler said BlazeAid had already distributed a $195,000 in vouchers to fire affected farmers in the south west.
Mr Jochinke said the hardship of recovery from the fires would be ongoing and more funds were needed.
How to donate
When donating contact BlazeAid via email: admin@blazeaid.com.au and specify that the donation is for the Post and Wire Drive and which area you would like it spent in.
To donate:
1: Direct deposit:
A/c name: BlazeAid Inc
Bank: Bendigo Bank
BSB: 633 000
A/c No: 149 795 908
Detals: your name
2: Cheques or money orders
Please make cheques or money orders payable to: BlazeAid Inc
Post to:
PO BOX 73
Kilmore Victoria 3746.
Phone: Debbie Buttler 0418 990 172 OR Kevin Butler 0418 530 471.